April 4th,Â 2016AMSRO and AMSRS have jointly conducted industry surveys over the past few years providing information on the size and nature of the market and social research industry in Australia.Â

Our last industry survey (conducted 2014 and based on the 2013 calendar year) receivedÂ a response rate of 20% and found (in summary):Â Turnover in Australia was estimated at $721 million (up from $707m in 2012); the strongest client sector was manufacturing (representing 32% of revenue dollars); Quantitative methods accounted for the majority of turnover at 79%; The majority of research design/type continued to be conducted with consumers and represented 65% of revenue dollars; Companies surveyed employed an estimated 2,673 people with 25% full-time, 75% part-time. Questions relating to flexible workplace conditions were included for the first time and found that employers overwhelmingly favoured flexibility with an impressive 89% of participants saying their company offered flexible working arrangements.Â The report also found that 31% of companies pay parental leave and among those who offer such leave, most provide it on full pay (59%).

This year we encourage all members to participate in the survey. With your support we can look forward to publishing a report that better serves the industry with greater insights, more robust findings and a stronger story to tell.Â All of which benefits the industry as a whole and your organisations.Â The results will be used by the Research Council of Australia (RICA) in its consultation with government along with media and public relations communications.Â The data also feeds into ESOMARâ€™s annual global study.

Due to changes in the industry and our Associations considering a merger, we have for the first time included a section for your comments about the industry and what factors impact expected markets.Â The section is optional however please take time to provide feedback.Â Your thoughts and recommendations are critical to our planning on behalf of the industry and its members.

We therefore encourage you to complete this short survey (based on the 2015 calendar year) via the following online link:

Please ensure only oneÂ member of the organisation completes this survey.

All members will receive a copy of the consolidated report of findings for their own use.Â We envisage the report will be completed by June 30, 2016.

The survey itself is anonymous. Please be assured that all data will be handled in complete confidence.

Please complete the survey by Friday 29 April 2016

Thank you for your participation and support of this important initiative.Â Should you require further information please donâ€™t hesitate to contact Elissa Molloy, CEO, AMSRSÂ on (02) 9566 3100Â or email elissa.molloy@amsrs.com.au